Jamming is spontaneous musical collaboration. Once you find some kind of music synergy, it can be a lot of fun. Sometimes it can lead to ideas for new songs. It's often referred to as a jam session.

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Steps

1

Get a group of musicians together. The only requirement is that the musicians feel comfortable improvising with their instrument.

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2

Agree on a key. This is optional. If everyone in the group is skilled enough to know which key a person has switched to just by listening, then you don't have to agree upon a key.

3

Have one person start and other join in.

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Video

This video provides good information from former Jefferson Starship keyboardist Pete Sears on playing with a band.

Tips

If you are a vocalist, note that you will probably not get to sing much because a lot of jam sessions unfold into full blown solos.

Practice your scales so you'll have good improvisation skills.

Cooperation is the key to jamming. It is important that you listen and play off of your fellow band-mates. This is very important. I always say losing your ego is the best way to jam successfully. Devote 100% of your concentration to listening what the other people play (For example, if the bassist is doing a solo, the the other instruments should be played quietly; Especially the drums). And then play your own note to make everyone in the group sound better. If one plays lead guitar, avoid playing too fast and too loud. Lead the music by setting a mood and themes. And only then can you achieve any jam.

Jam bands frequently tour because they sound better just jamming than playing more constructed riffs in a studio.

Know when the band is building up or down, and when your reaching a climax. This means you have to be very aware of what the rest of the band is doing. Often a band will be building up in the playing and then begin to boil over in the playing. The effect is much weaker if they are all not doing it together.

It is possible to jam with two stringed instruments. All is needed is one to improvise and the other to keep the beat.

Branch out with instruments, just don't get too extreme.

Just do it, it may sound stupid but the more you practice the better you will get.

If the band is going to perform, figure out how to stop together. This could be a cue musically, or verbally.

Warnings

It's okay to jam a song for 30+ minutes but be sure that you don't drag it out just for the effect.

Make sure all your band is on the same track so the jam doesn't end out a complete train wreck.

Jam isn't about fashion. Don't walk into the garage in leather chaps and expect to be regarded as a dedicated jammer.

If you are playing a gig do not jam the whole time. Do a maximum of 1/5 of your gig jamming because the audience expects songs. Unless the audience knows you are going to be jamming a lot try not to jam too much.